North America

According to an email just received at A Luxury Travel Blog HQ from Tripadvisor, the top 10 spa destinations are as follows:

1. Sedona, AZ, USA
2. Bath, United Kingdom
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
5. Ubud, Indonesia
6. Playa Mujeres, Mexico
7. Oia, Greece
8. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
9. Santa Fe, NM, USA
10. Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Would you broadly agree with their list or do you think it has some notable omissions?

Forget unwanted knickknacks and presents that get re-wrapped next year – this Christmas, treat yourself to a shopping trip to an alternative festive market with Black Tomato.

The Road to Original Presents

For the most original Christmas presents with an Arabian twist, you should fly to Damascus. Although only a small percentage of the Syrian population is Christian, Damascus is thought to be home to some of the world’s oldest Christian communities. The Christian quarter of Old Damascus celebrates the festive season in style with large trees and lights.

With more souks than Marrakech, Damascus is a treasure trove of silver and gold jewellery, hand blown glass and Damascene silk. Take a break from mince pies with an ice-cream at Damacus’ oldest ice-cream shop, Bakdash in the Al-Hamidiyeh covered souq in the heart of the city.

Black Tomato can arrange a three night stay in Damascus from £1,499 per person based on two people sharing. The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast at Beit al Mamlouka, and a full day private tour.

Dreaming of a Red Christmas

For an authentic snowy Christmas shopping experience, head to Moscow, where the city’s Izmailovsky market comes to life over the festive period with plenty of traditional food, drink stalls and local crafts. Take a slice of traditional Russian Christmas home with gifts of wooden decorations and intricately carved snow maidens. You can even visit Grandfather Frost, the Russian Father Christmas, at his home in the park at Kuzminki.

Black Tomato can arrange three nights in Moscow from £899 per person based on two people sharing. The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast at the Astoria Hotel and a city tour.

Chilled Christmas

Forget the overcrowded streets of New York and enjoy a more laid back vibe with Christmas shopping in Quebec. Visit Montreal’s Nutcracker market in the Palais de Congres for the ultimate handcrafted Christmas inspired arts and crafts, bespoke jewellery and traditional children’s toys.

Or head to Quebec City’s Christmas market which lights up the city’s old Port with over 100 beautifully decorated stalls, selling local and regional specialities, including ice cider, hand crafted toys, paintings from local artists and much more. The French style market continues until the end of December with flowing mulled wine, carol singing galore and plenty of snow.

Black Tomato can arrange four nights in Montreal from £1,399 per person based on two people sharing. The price includes flights and accommodation with breakfast at the Loft hotel.

For some, the ‘perfect holiday’ involves relaxing and getting away from the stresses of modern life. For those people, staying in a luxury hotel is a great way of achieving this.

Whilst this certainly isn’t a cheap holiday option, it is one of the best. If you are planning a trip to a luxury hotel for your holiday in 2011, you want to consider one of the following stunning hotels.

Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai, UAE

For a truly decadent experience, a stay at the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is a wise choice. Set on its own manmade island, the hotel offers a variety of duplex suites, including one and two-bedroom options and the Club Suite, which includes a full-size snooker table.

However, it is the two Royal Suites on the 25th floor that could provide the most opulent stay. Featuring a private elevator, cinema and library, officials at the hotel claim these suites are “the last word in luxury”.

Opened in 1991, the 321-metre building is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. Staying at the hotel also gives you the chance to travel in chauffeur-driven BMW’s and Rolls-Royce’s when going to and from the airport, although if you prefer you can make your journey by helicopter.

While there are a number of open-air and indoor swimming pools, staying at the Burj Al Arab means you also have access to a private beach. Not only can you spend time soaking up the sun, but you can indulge in a range of water sports here from kayaking to parasailing.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Alternatively, a stay in the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi could provide the luxurious hotel experience you have been longing for. There are more than 300 rooms to choose from, each decorated in Arabian regal splendour. However, you may prefer to stay in one of the numerous suites, which comprises of a separate lounge area, bedroom, terrace and bathroom. Staying in the three-bedroom Palace Suite, meanwhile, offers airport limousine transfers, a silver Jacuzzi and use of a golden laptop.

Whatever room or suite you select, you can use the hotel’s many services and amenities, including the Anantara Spa and the 1.3 km sandy beach. You can also shop for designer goods in various boutiques. And as the Emirates Palace is a part of Kempinski, the oldest luxury hotel group in Europe, you can be sure your every whim will be catered for.

Viceroy Hotel, Miami, USA

The Viceroy Hotel in Miami, Florida can also be great for a luxury break, with each of the five-star hotel’s 162 guestrooms and suites featuring a 42-inch flatscreen TV and iPod docking station. Set within the ten-acre Icon Brickell enclave, you can also take advantage of a rental car and lifestyle assistant service during your stay.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s spa and wellness centre includes a 2,500 sq ft exercise facility, while there is a private rooftop evening lounge, oversized outdoor fireplace, movie theatre and swimming pool.

Hotel Suites, Dresden, Germany

For a taste of luxury a little closer home, why not visit the award-winning Hotel Suites in Dresden, Germany? Here you will be able to call on the services of a chauffeur and concierge from the comfort of your suite, before dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant.

After you eat, you will find attractions such as the world-famous Saxon State Opera and the 16th century Dresden Castle just a short distance away. And you could be in good company when booking in at the hotel, with jazz musician Ron Carter and architect Daniel Libeskind among the big names to have stayed there.

The Ritz, Paris, France

The Ritz Paris can also be a great place for a luxurious hotel stay in 2011. Built in 1898, it was the first Ritz hotel in the world – a brand that has been synonymous with decadence and top-quality service. Dining at its L’Espadon restaurant allows you to tuck into Michelin-starred cuisine, while the wine cellars offer more than 1,000 vintages to choose from.

There are a wide selection of rooms and suites to stay in, including the Elton John suite, in honour of the singer who was a former guest at the hotel. Other famous names to have stayed there include Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemmingway, as well as members of royal families from across the world.

No matter where you are looking to go, take the time to compare prices in order to get the most competitive deals. Staying in a luxury hotel could well cost less than you think!

David Wilcox is a travel writer at Travel Supermarket.

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Puerto Vallarta is one of top beach destinations that Mexico has to offer.  The warm Pacific waters, amazing sunsets, and a never ending supply of fresh seafood makes Puerto Vallarta a top spot for luxury travel.

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa is  Puerto Vallarta’s newest luxury resort.  With the Sierre Madre mountains as a backdrop and the soft sand beaches at your doorstep, this resort and spa is not one to pass up.

If you get tired of relaxing in paradise, be sure to venture into town and enjoy the cobble stone streets and unique vendors.

Through Jetsetter.com you can book a deluxe room for as little at $185 a night.  Not good enough? How about a 3-bedroom suite with 4,343 square feet of space for only $590/night.

Nicole Henderson is a travel writer for the National Examiner.

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The 6,000 plus travel advisors surveyed for Virtuoso’s annual Lux Report have selected Mexico as the number five international travel destination for 2011 – and for good reason. Mexico has long delivered incredible value and rich luxury opportunities to travelers worldwide. Here are five lavish experiences in Mexico sure to surpass the expectations of even the most experienced and discerning of travelers.

1. Vacation in a Private Villa

Exclusive, private villas offer a level of secluded luxury simply unattainable by hotels and resorts. Whether it’s the quiet Colonial countryside, the lofty cliffs overlooking the Pacific coast, or the lush plantations of the Yucatan Peninsula, the vast geography of Mexico is home to unique and distinct villas and haciendas that redefine the notion of “getting away”.

2. Tour by Private Plane/Helicopter

Mexico is an enormous country covering 2 million square kilometers of land area, and has been home to hundreds of fascinating and historically significant cultures. Traveling to the different regions of the country to meet the people of these areas and experience their cultures can be a logistical nightmare.

Chartering private planes and helicopters allows travelers to cover large distances during a holiday as well as opens up more remote, off-the-beaten-path types of opportunities.

3. Picnic at a Private Cenote

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most unique regions of the world as it contains thousands of centotes, which are natural pools of water (once underground) that are created when the land-roof above them collapses. The water in theses cenotes has been naturally filtered as it travels underground, which results in extremely vivid pools of blue and green – the perfect setting for a private picnic lunch.

Dining along the banks of a cenote is incredibly tranquil and diving into its refreshing water is the perfect way to cool off after touring in the warm jungles of the Yucatan.

4. Take Private Cooking Classes

Among the first two cuisines ever awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, the culinary traditions and achievements of Mexico are undeniably legendary. There’s no better way to truly appreciate the complexities of fine cuisine than to observe the creation of a dish from the local markets to the plate.

Taking cooking classes while on holiday in Mexico is an extremely rewarding experience for food and wine lovers alike. Touring local markets to shop for ingredients, studying the traditions and practices of local master chefs in the kitchen, learning about which wines to pair with select dishes, and actually trying your hand at re-creating traditional recipes are all in a days work!

5. Charter a Private Yacht

Fish, sunbathe, stop to swim and snorkel, enjoy savory meals cooked by private chefs, jet ski – the luxurious opportunities are endless when chartering a private yacht and touring one of Mexico’s many pristine coastlines. For those experienced at sea, book and overnight charter and revel in the moonlight of the open seas!

Chase Buckner is the Webmaster at Journey Mexico.

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There is no better way than to spend your vacation in the lap of luxury and nature. In addition, you have the money to spend, and then splurging it on a luxury vacation in some of the best holiday destinations in the world is an ideal choice. Of all these luxury holiday destinations the one that is right on top of the list are beaches. Simply lazing away and relaxing while you soak up the sun admist the cool sea breeze is what every luxury traveller would love to experience. Luxury or five star hotels and other home rentals in holiday beach destinations will however restrict your experience and oneness with nature.

If you want to experience nature at its best, and lead an envious holiday life then your best choice would be luxury beachfront villas. Here is a list of some of the best 5 luxury beach villas that you can choose from. These are top rated luxury villa destinations and are known just by a celebrated few.

1. Cabo San Lucas – The Cabo San Lucas and the pedregal that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Marina is home to some of the finest luxury beach villas you will ever come across. Most of these beachfront luxury villas open into the beautiful, pristine, and warm waters. It’s not just the luxury beachfront villas that are an attraction, but the 360 days of warm sunshine will surely make your vacation memorable. Your luxurious stay will also include chef services, the best staff services, spa treatments and everything luxurious that money can buy.

2. Hawaii – If its sun, surf and sand then it is got to be Hawaii. However, if you want to experience Hawaii in style then choose to stay in some of the best beachfront luxury villas that Hawaii has to offer. The Wailea Beach Villas, and the exotic beach villas at Oahu, Kauai, Maui, North Shore, which is considered Oahu’s poshest areas, and some other luxurious beachfront villas will give you the best experience that Hawaii has to offer.

3. Akumal – The Akumal beachfront villa rentals in the Mayan Riviera are splendid and are sure to let you enjoy your life to the fullest. You will find seveal privately owned luxury villas apart from the well-known ones right across the 20-mile stretch of Akumal. These luxury beachfront villas are sure to take you to paradise with its spot on service, amazing scenery, white sandy beaches, and soothing sea breeze. You are sure to enjoy a laid-back vacation with the latest in luxury and amenities.

4. The Hamptons – Highly regarded among the high society in New York, the Hamptons luxury beachfront villas are a name to reckon with. The luxury beachfront villas promise you of breathtaking views, top service and the best there is on offer when it comes to food and wellness. You could even choose to set sail in the sea or throw a beach side party in your beachfront home that opens directly into the sea.

5. Bali – This exotic location and the warm sunshine will thrill your souls. The luxury beachfront villas in Bali will make you experience tropical lifestyle at its best. Most of these luxury villas are known for their unique character and have housed several dignitaries and celebrities. It’s the best for those who wish to travel along, family or even friends.

Ollivier Jacq is Founder of Paradizo.

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America’s only floating chapel has surely got to be a contender for the world’s most unique church.  It can currently be found in Sarasota, Florida, and offers Weddings on Water to anyone looking for a ceremony that’s a little different.

Shown below is footage of the chapel from one of its previous locations, St. Petersburg, FL.

My friends and I like to play “what if” games, and lately one query that seems to keep resurfacing is this: if you could take an über luxurious, no holds-barred vacation, where would you go? A private beach in the South Pacific? A chateau tucked into the French Alps? A month-long African safari? It’s an interesting game, mostly because our answers seem to change from year to year – or even day to day – depending on our moods. And honestly, vacations are all about moods.

A recent, somewhat budget-friendly trip to New York City fresh in my mind, I began to mentally plan a luxe Big Apple trip as an answer to this latest round of “what if?”

First up: where to stay? Definitely Upper East Side, where amazing views of Central Park would be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. The Carlyle, a preferred stop for U.S. presidents and European royalty; The Pierre, that copper-topped beauty that just received a $100 million renovation reestablished its reputation of foremost grace and elegance; and The St. Regis, that bastion of Gilded Age opulence where guest rooms are appointed with priceless antiques and custom made furnishings and second-to-none butler service is de rigeur.

Then there’s food, glorious food. New, hip restaurants open seemingly daily in the city, so I rack my brain for the Old Guard eateries. Sirio Maccioni’s masterpiece Le Cirque is a sure bet, a place where the new industrialists and headline-grabbing celebrities dine regularly. The carnivore in me would tuck into a porterhouse at Peter Luger Steakhouse. And lunchtime would mean a visit to Cipriani on West Broadway.

As tempting as it would be to lounge around my hotel room, my every whim and desire being attended to, getting out and about is non-negotiable. Securing car service (Rolls Royce limo preferably), visits to The Whitney on Madison Avenue and a private Champagne-fueled sunset cruise around the island are must-dos. And of course, nothing says decadence like high tea at The Plaza, a true blue New York City tradition. And when night falls, box seats to an opera at the Met or a concert at Carnegie Hall followed by cocktails at the Blue Note Jazz Club on West Third are absolutely on the agenda.

Then there are things that are so out of the realm of possibility on a standard vacation that, in this scenario, they seem required. Trying the $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae at Serendipity III; hobnobbing with the city’s movers and shakers at the Marquee lounge; and maxing out a credit card or two along Madison Avenue. No city does luxury quite like New York; I can’t think of a better place to live it up on an uber luxurious vacation.

Of course, ask me tomorrow and I’ll probably have changed my mind. Maybe that safari or chalet in the Alps is the way to go?

Peter Rerig is a Senior Writer for Vacations.com.

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The latest in Tripadvisor’s top 10 lists, and this one’s luxury-specific. Take a look at the site’s top 10 luxury B&Bs below – it’s well represented by the US, UK and Australia which collectively make up all but two B&Bs in the list.

1. Saltcote Place, Rye, England
2. The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
3. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA
4. The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA
5. The Point, Saranac Lake, New York State, USA
6. Big EZ Lodge, Big Sky, Montana, USA
7. Waratah Brighton Boutique B&B, Melbourne, Australia
8. Arai Ryokan, Izu, Japan
9. Glen Isla House, Philip Island, Australia
10. Shamwari Townhouse, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

If you are looking to spend some time away from your responsibilities and truly relax, there is no destination more therapeutic than the Cape Cod Islands, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Island. While you are working up- a sweat on the back 9 of the Hyannis Golf Club, shopping for art at The Schrimshander Gallery, or just biking around the Nantucket, nothing rounds out a day on The Cape like a fine dining experience, and dining at The Cape is like dining nowhere else.

Cape Cod offers some of the finest restaurants and elegant dining g experiences you will find anywhere in the nation. If you are a green vacationer or a seasoned “Codder”, the question of “Where to Eat” is bound to ring out through your trip. Wherever you stand in the spectrum of the vacationing rainbow, a few recommendations about where to eat never hurt anyone. Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape, Outer Cape, and The Islands all over superb cuisine opportunities, and 10 of those are listed here as a “Don’t Miss Out” recommendation.

• Brant Point Grill: Located within the White Elephant Inn, the Brant Point Grill (BPG) offers some of the best seafood and steak available on the Cape. From fresh caught Lobster to its famous Nantucket Crab Cakes, this location is a tastes buds dream.

• Ocean House Restaurant: A comprehensive wine list, Friday night live entertainment, and to die for plates like their Mac & Cheese make this restaurant an eating experience to remember. While there, be sure to try some of their signature cocktails like “The Corpse Reviver” and “French 75″.

• Roadhouse Cafe: This restaurant is located in the center of Hyannis and is a genuine local favorite. It’s menu is broad featuring bold Italian flavors for everyone including thin crust pizza, veal medallions, and calamari.

• Maguro Sushi Bar: If you want great sushi, there is no alternative. You need to visit the Maguro Sushi Bar. The head chef, a master sushi artisan, describes the flavors of the menu as combining classic sushi elements with those that are genuinely Cape Cod.

• Soprano’s Restaurant: Like the Sopranos? Like Italian cuisine? Are in ‘The Mafia’? Than this is an experience not to be missed. Upscale Italian food, a superior wine list, and some of the best martinis in the area make this a Cape Cod gem.

• Bleu: Known as offering the best French cuisine in Cape Cod, Bleu consistently receives highest praises from restaurant critics and Zagat raters alike. From escargot to duck confit, when you enter here and experience the cuisine, you will truly be transported to the French countryside.

• ABBA: Mediterranean flavors and Thai spices fuse together to create an unforgettable fine dining experience. The atmosphere is truly extraordinary and their prices are very reasonable. Enjoy the Cape’s best Pad Thai and a menu filled with fresh caught sea fare like bay scallops and halibut.

• Naked Oyster: If you are looking for fine dining and organic meats and seafood, this is your place. The Naked Oyster offers some of the freshest seafood in the area and showcases it in their raw bar selections like littleneck clams, oysters, and jumbo shrimp.

• Cape Cod Central Railroad: The term dining experience really means something at the Central Railroad. Here, you’re eating experience, as amazing as it is, is rivaled by a 3 hour train trip around the area. Go back in time and dress appropriately. FYI – This is an adults only trip so leave the kids at home.

• Paddock Restaurant: No “Top 10″ list would be complete without a nod to the Paddock Restaurant. The Paddock is a Cape Cod landmark and offers an amazing variety of locally fueled fare. Enjoy crab cakes, beef Carpaccio, and clams casino. A real Cape Cod tradition.

Keep in mind, this list is by no means comprehensive. Every fine dining location in the Cape offers its own unique experience. However, if you do make it to the area, do yourself a favor and make your trip a trip to remember by visiting one of the above locations for a guaranteed unforgettable evening of dining, drinks, and ambiance.

Nicolas DAlleva is the owner of Specialty Answering Service, offering worldwide answering services to travel agencies and vacation planners.

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